Daycare business planned in city

JOHNSTOWN – The city Planning Board on Tuesday reviewed plans for a new daycare business.

The board is considering approval of a project request by Courtney Batty for her proposed Rise n Shine Childcare at 7 Oakwood Ave.

The board set a public hearing for 4 p.m. Oct. 29 at City Hall, after which the project may be approved.

Batty was present at the board meeting at City Hall to explain the project.

According to Batty, she would establish a 1,760-square-foot childcare business at her home to watch and care for children aged six weeks to 12 years old. The business would be on the first floor.

In her plans to the city, she indicated she is registered by the state. She said her hours of operation would “optimally” be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and she would have six children in her care. In compliance with state regulations, Batty said she would have no more than eight children in her care at once. She said that includes both part-time and full-time care.

Batty said she also would live on the first floor and have upstairs tenants.

Batty said state officials completed initial inspections and the proposed operation is in compliance with regulations. She said she would have a daily schedule that includes an educational and social platform. She would incorporate outdoor play, indoor play, educational activities, reading time and nap time. She also would provide two meals and multiple snacks for the children.

The outdoor play area would be on a side yard on the Briggs Street side of Batty’s home.

She said the area is partially enclosed by trees, which are used to draw the property line. The children will play in the back corner of the yard where there is a large amount of shade and they are far away from the street, she said. Batty said she intends to install a fence in the next year for increased safety.